BILLINGS, Mont. – The Montana State University Billings men's soccer team ended up on the wrong side of the scoresheet in their first preseason action of the year, falling 2-1 to Rocky Mountain College in the first of two Rimrock Rivalry matchups between the two squads this season.
 
The Yellowjackets looked promising throughout the match, creating a number of quality scoring opportunities and outshooting the Battlin' Bears 13-8 overall, and 6-2 in shots on target. But despite creating more chances, and going a man up after a 53^rd minute red card, Rocky would rally back on their home field, putting in the tying goal with 17 minutes to play before drawing and converting a penalty in the final minute of the game to steal the win.
 
Both teams struggled to find chances early as they attempted to figure each other out, with the Yellowjackets attempting just two shots in the first 24 minutes of play. But the defense started strong, preventing the Battlin' Bears from attempting a shot until the 38^th minute of the game. Rocky would put together a few chances of their own late, but none of their attempts truly threatened to open the scoring, while the Yellowjackets would be unable to break the deadlock either, with the crosstown rivals heading into the break scoreless.
 
The second half opened with excitement and drama, with both teams firing off some shots in the box before the two teams would come together following a physical foul in the Yellowjacket box, leading to Rocky's Paul Katende exiting the field after collecting his second yellow card of the match. It wouldn't take long for the 'Jackets to take advantage after going a man up, when in the 61^st minute, an impressive long-range strike from Ryan Hanley would curl past the keeper and open the scoring for the Yellowjackets.
 
But the Battlin' Bears would live up to their name, and despite MSUB nearly doubling their lead multiple times, it would be the hosts who would be the next to score, with Espoir Mayele evening the match with his 73^rd minute attempt. The 'Jackets would find their best opportunity to retake the lead just second after the restart, with Carter Griffith drawing a foul in the box for a penalty kick. Despite a quality shot however, goalkeeper Anton Wilms pulled off an even better save, keeping the game tied at one all. The game would come down to its final opportunity, when with 26 seconds left in the match, Rocky would draw a penalty of their own with a foul in the box. Henry Chalkey would step up to convert his attempt, and MSUB's final push would prove fruitless as the 'Jackets would be unable to find victory in their opening preseason match.
 
Hanley converted his lone shot on goal in the match, attempting two shots in the game, while Guillermo Gonzalez put two of his three shots on goal. Off the bench, So Nagano attempted three shots with one on goal, and both Rene Tello and Zach Browning put a shot on goal as well.
 
THE BUZZ: Hanley was selected as the Intermountain Health Player of the Game… The 'Jackets face off against Rocky one more time, this time with regular season implications when the teams face off on September 7^th at Yellowjacket Field, with kickoff set for 7 PM.
 
UP NEXT: MSUB wraps up it's preseason with one more match, facing off against Northwest College in a scrimmage on Wednesday, August 28 at Yellowjacket Field. Kickoff is scheduled for 6 PM, with free admission for all Yellowjacket fans.